Estes Park Dog Park is the fenced off-leash area beside Stanley Park and the Fish Creek arm of Lake Estes. The Estes Valley Recreation and Park District now calls it Carolyn Fairbanks Dog Park. Its three play areas give smaller dogs their own enclosure while larger dogs can use two fenced areas, including the eastern enclosure with lake access.
Plan your visit
- Address: 200 Community Drive, Estes Park, CO 80517.
- Hours: The recreation district does not publish separate dog-park hours on its current Stanley Park page. Plan for daylight, follow posted signs and check the official page for temporary work or closures.
- Play areas: One area is reserved for smaller dogs, and two fenced areas serve larger dogs.
- Water access: Dogs can enter the Fish Creek arm of Lake Estes through the eastern enclosure. Shoreline access and water conditions can change, so check signs before allowing a dog into the lake.
- Parking: Use the Stanley Park and dog-park parking near Community Drive. Parking conditions can change during events and construction.
- Contact: Call the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District at 970-586-8191.
Find the dog park entrance
Get directions to Estes Park Dog Park. From U.S. Highway 36, turn south onto Community Drive near the roundabout. The dog park sits immediately east of Community Drive, north of Stanley Park and beside the lake.
Look for the signed fenced enclosures rather than routing to the Estes Park Community Center farther south. Keep your dog leashed from the parking area to the gate.
Choose the right play area
The official park page describes three fenced areas. Smaller pups have a separate enclosure, while larger dogs can choose between two adjacent areas. Pause before entering, watch the dogs already inside and use the enclosure that fits your dog’s size and comfort.
Recent parkgoers often mention the roomy layout, agility features, benches, mountain views and access to water. Bring drinking water and a bowl even when a fountain or spigot appears available, because seasonal shutoffs and maintenance can affect service.
Lake access and wildlife
The eastern enclosure provides dog access to the Fish Creek arm of Lake Estes. Check the shoreline, current water quality notices and your dog’s swimming ability before entering. Do not treat lake water as drinking water.
Elk and other wildlife can appear around Stanley Park. Give wildlife plenty of distance, keep your dog leashed outside the enclosure and leave the area if wildlife approaches the gate or shoreline.
Rules before you enter
Off-leash play belongs inside the designated fenced dog-park areas. Keep gates closed, supervise your dog, interrupt unsafe play and remove a dog that cannot remain under control. Pick up waste and follow every rule posted at the entrance.
The recreation district is carrying out a multi-year Stanley Park renovation, and shoreline or parking work may affect access. Check the official Stanley Park page before traveling and obey temporary fencing and closure notices.
What parkgoers say
Parkgoers frequently praise the multiple enclosures, open running room, agility equipment, lake access and mountain setting. Many reviews also mention seating or shelters and appreciate having a separate space for smaller dogs.
Common cautions involve inaccurate GPS routing, dirt or mud in the parking and play areas, changing water availability and the need to watch for wildlife. Conditions vary by season and time of day, so bring water, towels and waste bags and scan the group before entering. Read current parkgoer reviews on Google Maps.
More options and official updates
Browse dog parks in Estes Park or compare dog parks across Colorado. Confirm each alternative’s fencing, water and access before changing destinations.
Last researched September 1, 2026; no site visit was made. Check the official Stanley Park and Carolyn Fairbanks Dog Park page and the Estes Park reference map before traveling. Report a correction to DogPark Near Me.